Comparison 2026

Freshdesk vs HubSpot CRM

A detailed, side-by-side comparison. Features, pricing, and our verdict to help you choose.

Reviewed by the Ikaroa team | Last updated: March 2026

Quick Verdict

HubSpot CRM edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, both platforms excel at different things. Read on for the full breakdown.

At a Glance

F

Freshdesk

4.2/5

Freshdesk is a cloud-based customer support platform from Freshworks. It offers helpdesk, ticketing, and customer service tools at competitive prices.

Best for: Support teams wanting affordable helpdesk with mul...

Full review →
H

HubSpot CRM

4.5/5

HubSpot offers a free CRM with powerful marketing, sales, and service tools. Popular with small to mid-sized businesses for its generous free tier and intuitive interface.

Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free start...

Full review →

Feature Comparison

FeatureFreshdeskHubSpot CRM
Free PlanYesYes
Our Rating4.2/54.5/5
Mobile AppYesYes
Email MarketingNoYes
AutomationYesYes

Pros & Cons

Freshdesk

Pros

  • +Generous free plan (10 agents)
  • +Competitive pricing
  • +Easy to set up and use

Cons

  • -Not a full CRM (focused on support)
  • -Limited sales features

HubSpot CRM

Pros

  • +Generous free tier with no time limit
  • +Excellent user interface and onboarding
  • +All-in-one platform (marketing, sales, service)

Cons

  • -Gets expensive quickly at Professional tier
  • -Free plan has HubSpot branding

Our Verdict

Both Freshdesk and HubSpot CRM are solid options, but they serve different needs. Choose Freshdesk if you need Support teams wanting affordable helpdesk with multi-channel. Choose HubSpot CRM if you need Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free starting point .

Our Pick

Consider Open Doors Instead

Why choose between Freshdesk and HubSpot CRM? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Freshdesk better than HubSpot CRM?

It depends on your needs. Freshdesk scores 4.2/5 while HubSpot CRM scores 4.5/5. We recommend evaluating both against your specific requirements.

Which is cheaper, Freshdesk or HubSpot CRM?

Both Freshdesk and HubSpot CRM offer multiple plans at different price points. Visit each platform's website for the latest pricing, as rates can change.

Can Ikaroa help me set up Freshdesk or HubSpot CRM?

Yes. We implement both platforms regularly. We handle data migration, configuration, team training, and ongoing support.

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Ikaroa Partners

Claim a special deal on Freshdesk or HubSpot CRM

Our team has implemented both Freshdesk and HubSpot CRM for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs and get you set up with an exclusive partner deal.

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